Understanding Islam An Introduction

Introduction

Statistics World’s largest Muslim communities Indonesia - 227,226,404 = 87% Pakistan - 204,194,370 = 96% India - 189,000,000 = 14% Bangladesh - 148,607,000 = 90% Nigeria - 95,316,131 = 48% 864,343,905 = 48% of all Muslims 1,8 Billion = 24% of World Population Australia?

Statistics World’s largest Muslim communities Indonesia - 227,226,404 = 87% Pakistan - 204,194,370 = 96% India - 189,000,000 = 14% Bangladesh - 148,607,000 = 90% Nigeria - 95,316,131 = 48% 864,343,905 = 48% of all Muslims 1,8 Billion = 24% of World Population Australia? 604 000 = 2.6%

History 610 – Muhammad’s Visions in Mecca 615 – Fled to Ethiopia (11 men 4 women) 622 – Hijrah – Medina (Start of the Islamic Calendar) 630 – Return to Mecca 633 – Muhammad dies of prolonged illness

Denominations Sunni Shi’ah Sufi

Diversity in Islam Puritans Traditionalists “Folk” Islam Modernists Secularists Fundamentalists Refugees

Core Beliefs Belief in Allah, Oneness of God Belief in the Angels Belief in Holy Books Belief in the Prophets Belief in the Day of Judgment Belief in God's predestination

Qu’ran About same length as New Testament Reflect different chapters of Muhammad’s life Law of Abrogation Muhammad not considered author Arabic and “unchanging” Haddith give context Interpretations are not unanimous Qur’an affirms biblical teachings (subject to abrogation)

Core Practices Five Pillar Confession of Faith-Shahada Prayer Charity Fasting Hajj Jihad

Faith, Culture & Politics Islam, Muslims & ISIS Spirituality & seeking to please God Compassion, justice, prayer, and seeking peace Personal piety, self-restraint, or self-control, avoid sin Styles of dress, Separation, Folk traditions Honour killings Attitude toward women charms and amulets for protection Dogmatic Authoritarianism Control of Resources Power & Dominance

Christianity and Islam: Convergence & Divergence Creation Abraham Morality

Conversations Share your testimony. Find God at work in the lives of Muslims. Pray for Muslim friends. (Requires making Muslim friends) Talk about Jesus (Isa). Isa is holy (Surah 3:42-48) Isa has power over death (Surah 3:49-54) Isa knows the way of heaven and is the way (Surah 3:55) Share Bible stories early and often. Minister to human need. Trust the Holy Spirit.